The 2025 St Barths Bucket Regatta saw an impressive fleet of 30 superyachts gather in the stunning waters off Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy, for one of the world’s most prestigious sailing events. Originating from an informal race among friends in Nantucket in 1986, the regatta now attracts a diverse mix of high-performance racers and luxurious cruisers, competing in eight distinct classes.
This year’s fleet ranged from the mighty 65-metre Triumph to the sleek 27-metre racers Hummingbird and Prevail, with notable Kiwi interest in the Frers-designed, Yachting Developments-built Symmetry, and the Dubois Naval Architects-designed, Fitzroy Yachts of New Zealand-built Gitana. Like the recent New Zealand Superyacht Millennium Cup, St Barths Bucket regatta blends spirited yet friendly competition with an atmosphere of genuine sportsmanship, epitomising the essence of luxury sailing at its finest.
The 2025 Bucket Trophy goes to Hyperion
The 2025 Bucket Trophy recognises yachts that combine racing excellence with the true spirit of the event. Winners are class-leading cruising yachts exceeding 30 metres, judged objectively on close race results and subjectively on seamanship and sportsmanship. A specialist panel selects the yacht best reflecting the tradition and ethos of the Bucket.
Hyperion, the 47.4-metre (155.5-foot) Royal Huisman-built sailing yacht designed by German Frers, has claimed the prestigious 2025 Bucket Trophy. Competing in Class C: Les Elegantes, Hyperion achieved near-perfect results, securing two firsts and a second-place finish for a total of four points. Commissioned by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Jim Clark, founder of Silicon Graphics and Netscape, Hyperion was famously built as a technological showcase, pioneering the replacement of traditional marine electronics with fully integrated touchscreen systems. Launched in 1998, Hyperion set records as the largest sloop of her time, featuring a towering 59-metre carbon-fibre mast just shy of the Golden Gate Bridge clearance.
The 2025 Best Overall Starter Award goes to Symmetry
The Best Overall Starter Award honours the yacht demonstrating exceptional timing, positioning, seamanship, and sportsmanship in the Bucket’s staggered-start pursuit format. Winners are chosen by a judging panel using objective criteria, such as precise starts, and subjective assessments of overall competence, yacht handling, safety, and embodiment of the regatta’s spirit.
Although coming fourth in its class, this year’s winner, Symmetry, exemplifies these attributes. A 29.3-metre (96-foot) composite sloop designed by renowned naval architect German Frers and constructed by New Zealand’s Yachting Developments in 2004, Symmetry demonstrated impeccable starting precision throughout the regatta. Competing in the Corinthian Spirit class, Symmetry reflects Yachting Developments international reputation for exceptional composite yacht construction.
Symmetry underwent an extensive refit in 2014, combining elegant design and sailing performance. Powered by a Lugger L6108A2 300 HP diesel engine, she achieves cruising speeds of 10 knots with a range of 1,250 nautical miles.
The 2025 Owner Driver Award goes to Gitana
The St Barths Bucket Owner Driver Award honours yacht owners whose outstanding sportsmanship, active participation, and true regatta spirit impress an expert judging panel.
This year, the 45-metre superyacht Gitana, built by Fitzroy Yachts of New Zealand and launched in 2009, claimed the award. With striking exterior and naval architecture by Dubois Naval Architects and elegant interiors by Adam Lay Studio, Gitana embodies luxury sailing performance. Accommodating eight guests and six crew, this aluminium-hulled yacht achieved speeds up to 15 knots during the event. Although coming fifth in their class, CLASS C: Les Elegantes, Gitana’s owner embraced the Bucket’s atmosphere and contributed significantly to the regatta’s renowned spirit.
The 2025 Wolter Huisman Memorial “Spirit of the Bucket” Trophy goes to Vijonara
The Wolter Huisman Memorial Trophy (“Spirit of the Bucket”) recognises the yacht and crew best representing the regatta’s spirit, emphasising sportsmanship, seamanship, hospitality, and genuine participation. Awarded annually by Royal Huisman.
This year’s trophy was fittingly awarded to Vijonara, a 42.25-metre Hoek Truly Classic 128 sailing yacht constructed by Pendennis at their Falmouth shipyard in 2018. With elegant exterior styling and luxurious interior by Hoek Design, Vijonara comfortably accommodates six guests and six crew, ensuring a refined sailing experience. Crafted with an aluminium hull, superstructure, and teak decks, Vijonara epitomises traditional yacht-building quality. Her crew’s exceptional hospitality, commitment to sportsmanship, and enthusiasm on and off the water exemplified the relaxed yet vibrant spirit that the Bucket Regatta has cherished since its origins in 1986.
This celebrated regatta blends spirited yet friendly competition with an atmosphere of genuine sportsmanship, epitomising the essence of luxury sailing at its finest.
